The statements of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, of course, do not give grounds for infinite optimism. There are two reasons. A/ Accepting the right to self-determination of Artsakh’s people does not mean leaving Azerbaijan, B/ Germany has no leverage to change the situation “on the ground.”
But let’s look at the problem first from the perspectives of the authorities of Azerbaijan and then of Armenia. For Aliyev, “Nagorno-Karabakh” does not exist, and even more so, the people’s right to self-determination. Azerbaijani propaganda prefers to talk about the “integration of Armenians living in the economic region of Karabakh into Azerbaijan,” Any communication with Artsakh authorities is presented as a step towards that integration.
Surprisingly, this approach does not meet individual objections among the Armenian authorities. By the way, the closure of the Goris-Kapan road and the “demand” to hand over the so-called “enclaves” and resettle Azerbaijanis in many settlements of Armenia also do not cause any protest.
It is unclear who demands such a “super-constructive” position from Armenia. In particular, if Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan, simply seconding Scholz, said at the Berlin press conference that Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh have the right to self-determination, then it would hardly be unacceptable for any country, except Turkey and Azerbaijan, or any international organization.
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If the meaningless condescending position until now had given some tangible results, for example, the Berdzor Corridor would have been opened. One could think about the justification of that position. But, it is evident that our new concessions lead to further demands from Azerbaijan.
Another strange thought was heard in Berlin. Pashinyan said that Azerbaijan is hindering the improvement of relations with Turkey. I don’t think so. Turkey is behind all the aggressive steps of Azerbaijan.
ARAM ABRAHAMYAN
